Jing Ma, a PhD student in Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), has achieved remarkable recognition by winning three international design awards for her “Inheart” Dry Powder Inhaler. The awards include the Red Dot Product Design Award (Germany), the French Design Award, and the American Good Design Award.

Jing Ma focuses on improving the adherence of chronic respiratory disease patients to inhalation devices by enhancing user experience. Through interactions with patients, she identified the uncertainty patients feel when using traditional inhalers. To address this, she incorporated a transparent element into her inhaler design, allowing patients to see the medication being inhaled, thus reducing uncertainty and increasing confidence in the treatment. Simplifying the device's operation to just two steps further enhances the usability and adherence of patients.

Jing Ma's award-winning design is a testament to her commitment to translating academic research into practical applications. Alongside these accolades, she holds six patents and has had her work showcased at major international conferences such as the Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference (DDL) and the Respiratory Drug Delivery Conference (RDD). Her innovative and practical designs have garnered widespread acclaim from peers and industry professionals worldwide, enhancing the international competitiveness of Chinese medical products.

Jing Ma attributes her achievements to UNNC's exceptional research environment and her supervisor's guidance. She stated: "After graduating with a master's degree from Southeast University in China, I chose UNNC for its international perspective and strong support for academic research. The unique educational model and multicultural environment broadened my horizons and were invaluable for my growth." Under Professor Xu Sun's supervision, she realised that human-centred innovation meets practical needs. Her experience at UNNC equipped her with knowledge, skills, and innovative thinking, driving her future career and enabling her to achieve her dreams.